July 06, 2011

Royals meet Aboriginals

By Roshina JowaheerThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue their nine-day tour of Canada arriving in the Northwest Territories on their sixth day and meeting Aboriginals in Yellowknife.

They were greeted by a group of Dettah Drummers and dancers dressed in traditional native clothing at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza and they stopped to chat to the Aboriginal people and Yellowknife locals.

Prince William thanked the Northwest Territories Aboriginals in their local Dene dialect and the couple received a warm welcome from the crowds.

The couple took part in traditional games, which are also used for everyday survival skills for the harsh northern environment that sees 10 months of winter per year.

Kate and William didn't leave empty handed as the Aboriginals presented them with a gift to show their 'mutual respect and affection'--a pair of platinum and diamond pave cufflinks and a brooch with a polar bear design.Kate Middleton and Prince William given warm welcome by Aboriginal peoplesWilliam gave a short speech to the gathered crowds and to cheers from the spectators highlighted how the royal couple were now above 60 degrees latitude so the sun will not set during their stay.

The royal said: "It's great to be north of 60 degrees.

"This place is what Canada is all about; vast, open beauty, tough, resilient friendly peoples--true nature, true humanity.

"Thanks to all of you who have travelled such great distances to join us today, Catherine and I are deeply honoured.

"We have been here just 12 hours but we have already sensed the extraordinary potential of this region.

"That irrepressible spirit of adventure that marks out the peoples of the Territories and defines this land. We are so excited to be here."

By Kelly CrydermanLike many of the events Prince Charles attended 34 years ago, the one at Blackfoot Crossing marked what is a special relationship between the monarchy and First Nations--one that will be part of the mix as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travel to Alberta today.

"We tend to sort of think of (royal visits) as just pomp and fluff and ceremony," said Sarah Carter, a University of Alberta historian who has studied the relationship between treaty Indians, royals and viceroys.

"But they have a lot more meaning and deeper meaning--especially to First Nations' people--because of the sanctity of these treaty agreements."Will tries his hand at ball hockey during stop in NWTOne of the lighter moments was William trying his hand at street hockey, taking a few shots at a goalie in his definitely-not-hockey suit. Before he took began, he asked the 20-year-old goaltender: "Let this go in."

Not as confident with a stick as he is with a chopper, the prince went 0 for 3 against Calvin Lomen. Lomen wasn't trying to be treasonous. William just kept shooting right at him. First, a hard wrist shot to the glove, the second to the stick.

On his last shot, the Prince, feeling a little cocky, said "top left corner."